Oscar Sorto intends to take a step forward in year two of his professional career

CARSON, Calif. – Oscar Sorto received plenty of on the job training in his first season with the LA Galaxy, but next season the real work begins.

After being signed by the Galaxy as the team’s fourth-ever Homegrown Player in December, Sorto made two appearances in 2013 across all competitions, all of which came during CONCACAF Champions League play. During his two appearances, Sorto showed flashes of becoming a viable defensive option for LA, but at times, he struggled to deal with the pace and physicality of the professional game.

However, as he looks ahead to a pivotal 2014, Sorto believes that he’ll have to find a way to improve to hold his spot on the Galaxy roster.

“It’s going to be more serious for me next year because my contract ends in 2014 and for me to get another contract, I’m going to have to show that I can improve and do my work,” Sorto told reporters. “I feel confident about my abilities, but I still have to show the coaches that they can trust me,” said Sorto. “It’s going to be hard for me either way because A.J. is one of the top defenders in MLS and it’s going to be a challenge.”